How Nashville tuning can transform your arrangements
While Nashville tuning uses the same notes as a standard guitar tuning, used by itself and in layers with other guitars, this tuning can bring an articulate presence to a recording. Read the post.
music practice
Expand your musicianship and career by sight-reading music
The ability to see written music for the first time and play it on the spot is a superpower that will open creative and career possibilities. Here are some tips to expand your skills at sight-reading music. Read the post.
Liven things up with eleventh chords
Eleventh chords can provide lush texture to your songs, but they can be confusing. We’ve got charts and real-world examples to help you better understand these extended chords. Read the post.
Add drama with a flat-six chord
The flat-six chord can add drama to your music, and with some exceptions, is best used sparingly in your songwriting. Read the post.
The profound healing quality of music
An intense desire to create and share her music helped indie music artist Sarah Fimm recover from a debilitating accident and find gratitude for the lessons she learned. Read the post.
Sixth chords add moody complexity to your music
Sixth chords have an inherent lack of identity and purpose that can be riveting — a sixth chord can provide ambiguity, set curiously dark moods, and add a layer of complexity to your music. Read the post.
How to plan, perform, and rock your Zoom gigs
Live-streaming has opened new opportunities for many musicians. It has also created new categories of challenges. These prep and performance tips can make your Zoom gigs the best they can be. Read the post.
Ninth chords add ambiance to your compositions
There are many kinds of ninth chords, and they can be used in different ways. This post explores different kinds of ninth chords and how you can use them, with plenty of examples of their use in popular music. Read the post.
Use substitution chords to spice up your songs
Jazz musicians know and integrate substitution chords on a regular basis, but musicians who play other genres of music can also employ this concept to great effect. Read the post.
Ramping up for the big gig
When you’re planning for a big gig, use these strategies to prepare and practice so you play, perform, stream, and record with success. Read the post.
Don’t fade away during the pandemic
Don’t get stuck in a rut while you’re stuck at home. Do something productive for your music career every day and let your fans hear from you. Here are some ideas to get you started. Read the post.
Stay focused on your music career during the shutdown
While we’re navigating the current stay-at-home lifestyle — which means a moratorium on most everything that goes along with being an active musician — there are a number of activities you can engage in to help advance your music career. Read the post.
The story of “The Happy Song” (or “The joy of musical manipulation”)
“The Happy Song” is music that is scientifically engineered to make a baby happy. Is it freaky mind control or brilliant use of resources? Or a bit of both? Read the post.
Boost your artist brand, musical chops, and revenue from home
For musicians who were the originators of the “gig” economy, music gigs, music lessons, and merch sales are not the income drivers they were just weeks ago. Read the post.
Overcoming obstacles with creativity, drive, and talent
Blind musician and motivational speaker Joey Stuckey is proof that following the four pillars of success can help you overcome whatever obstacles are in your way. Read the post.